How to Adapt Milton Bradley’s “Twister” Game

by Loretta White

Editor’s Note: The sturdiness of the game adapted with these materials and techniques is phenomenal. More than a decade ago, White adapted four (maybe five--but we only know where four of them are today) Twister games for use with children’s programs in Maryland. One of the games was donated to Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) to use at KIDS Camp and other youth programs. Another ended up in NFB Camp--our NFB National Convention childcare program--where it is used every year. Two others live at the National Center for the Blind where they are used for after-hour games for youth programs sponsored by the NFB Jernigan Institute, such as the Science Academies, the Youth Slam, youth leadership programs, and other activities with children. The adapted twister game is also part of NFB history; a picture of a Twister game in progress hangs on a corridor wall in the NFB Jernigan Institute. Shortly after the NFB Jernigan Institute established the National Center for Mentoring Excellence, the adapted game was taken to the targeted states to use in the ice-breaking activities for launching each program. Loretta agreed to share her instructions for adapting the game at the request of Treva Olivero, coordinator of the mentoring program, who said that the project leaders in the states want their own adapted game to keep. And now we are publishing it for the benefit of our Future Reflections readers. Here it is:

Supplies:

One (1) Twister Game
Two (2) sleepshades
Plastic storage box (with snap-on lid) that is at least 22 inches by 14 inches by 5 inches
Plastic sticky-backed Braille paper
Heavy Braille paper or plastic
Heavy cardboard rectangle (15 inches by 13 inches)
Braillewriter or slate and stylus for making Braille labels
Paper or gummed labels for print labels
Linoleum glue (smallest size can)
A small old or disposable brush, about 1 inch wide (You will want to throw it away when finished.)
Compass and marker
Scissors and/or X-Acto knife (or other comparable brand, such as Exacto)

Enough of each of the following fabrics for six 7.5 inch circles. Getting these specific fabrics will ensure that there is adequate texture differences and that the circles will hold up over time:
From the carpet department in major home improvement stores:
Royal to navy blue low pile indoor-outdoor carpet
Green fake grass floor covering
From the fabric shop:
Good quality yellow fake fur
Good quality (thick) fake red leather

Adapting the Twister game plastic sheet:

1. Using a compass and marker, draw six 7.5 inch circles on the back of each of the circle fabrics.
2. Cut them out using very sharp scissors or an X-Acto knife.
3. Spread the Twister game plastic sheet on the floor, removing all wrinkles. If there are a lot of small wrinkles, place it in the dryer on the lowest heat for a few minutes to smooth out the wrinkles. You can also use a hair dryer. The folds in a brand new game are not a problem.
4. Attach the circles to the Twister game plastic sheet one at a time matching the colors.
5. Using an old small or disposable paintbrush, apply linoleum glue to a colored circle on the Twister game plastic sheet and to the back of the circle. Be sure both circles are completely covered with glue.
6. Center the fabric circle of matching color on top of the glue circle and press firmly over the entire circle. Wipe off excess glue around the outside of the circle. If the fabric circle does not lie completely flat, place a few large books on top of it.
7. Continue the process until all circles on the Twister game plastic sheet are covered with fabric circles.
8. Allow Twister game plastic sheet to dry 24 hours before moving.

Texture reference card:

1. Using the fabric scraps, cut one 3 inch by 2 inch rectangle of each fabric.
2. Using the same technique as above, attach the fabric rectangles to the heavy cardboard rectangle leaving about 3 inches between each piece and at the top and bottom.
3. Braille and cut out one label in contracted (Grade 2) Braille for each color (red, blue, green, yellow).
4. Apply the label directly under the matching color.

Braille spinner board:

Braille, cut out, and apply the following labels in contracted (Grade 2) Braille:

Four (4) each: blue, red, green yellow

One (1) each: right foot, right hand, left foot, left hand

Make five (5) large print “Twister” labels for the plastic storage box (the new game box). Attach a label to each of the four sides and the lid. Cover the labels with clear sticky backed plastic. Clear wide plastic tape works as well. Place a Braille “Twister” label on each print label.

Put the spinner board, folded Twister game plastic sheet, game directions (print and Braille), texture reference card, and sleepshades into the new game box, put on the lid. Invite your friends over and PLAY TWISTER!